Tickets sold out for first Norfolk Amtrak train; more cars added

By Jon Cawley | 757-247-4635

Norfolk Amtrak service begins Dec. 12, 2012

Norfolk’s new Amtrak service is on schedule for a Dec. 12 start of operations and already the inaugural train has sold out.

But Thelma Drake, the director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation told the Hampton Roads Transportation Organization Thursday that, due to the demand, Amtrak was adding four additional cars that would contribute another 280 seats.

Trains are already moving as Amtrak trains employees and prepares for the opening. The first passengers will arrive in Norfolk on Dec. 11 when dignitaries such as Gov. Bob McDonnell and the full Amtrak corporate board travel from Richmond, Drake said.

It will be the first time Norfolk has had passenger rail service since the late 1970s.

Drake noted that the start-up effort is a “big push” for the department. “We’re doing everything we can to make sure it is successful from day one,” she told the panel.